RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

29th November: Newbury: Ratings were vindicated in the Listed novice event for mares when Carrigmoorna Rock – second in a Grade 3 at Down Royal last month – drew clear of Avispa. Broxbourne was pitched into much deeper company than when opening her hurdling account at Fakenham but she stayed on for third.

After the win of chase newcomer Royal Regatta in the Class 3 handicap, the Hobbs/Johnson bandwagon rolled on further with the last gasp success of Bertie Boru in the Class 3 over 2m 6f. Crossing the last clear, Phone Home looked to have sealed it but he began to tread water and was caught as Johnson, riding on a crest of a wave, conjured a late run from the winner.

It was desperate stuff in the Class 2 hurdle over an extended two miles where they finished well strung out and very tired. Minus the cheekpieces that seemed to aid his rise in the spring, Silsol, with 7lbs lobbed off his mark of 144 by a capable claimer, stuck it out from the last to hold the late run of Hammersly Lake.

Perceived dents in the armour of unbeaten More Of That (looked terrific in the paddock) meant, considering he had the best credentials by a country mile, he was allowed to drift alarmingly in the betting prior to the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle. Wearing a tongue-tie for the first time and representing a yard that has been in the doldrums, his defeat was on the cards from a long way out. Sloppy at the middle flight on the far side, willingly stretching his neck but getting nowhere for McCoy’s urgings, he was legless in the straight. Of course he is better than this but an explanation is required. The form of Jonjo O’Neills’ horses has to be the short-term answer. Medinas became the chief recipient of the drama. He came to pick off pacesetter Cole Harden at the last and cleared away. Cole Harden was conceding 8lbs to the winner, whom he had beaten at Wetherby last time.

In a Hennessy containing few that looked kindly treated, Many Clouds confirmed how unlucky he was to have been brought down in the RSA with a dour performance. This was a well publicised victory for the man responsible for so many high-profile wins in the 80s and 90s – including Arctic Call in this very race: Oliver Sherwood. Joint top-weight Houblon Des Obeaux ran up to his best and beyond in second. In third came Merry King who stays all day but lacks a finishing kick. What a difference a hundred minutes makes in this game! After such a dismal effort from More Of That, the O’Neill-trained Merry King has delivered a personal best; however it is two years since he last won. Monbeg Dude, another out-and-out stayer, ran through the pack for fourth and will obviously appreciate even further. Smad Place travelled well but was unable to lift with the pace in the straight. To an extent it was at that point that his jumping let him down. Having moved like a dream for most of the way, as the one horse that was arguably well-treated, Djakadam tired in the manner of a non-stayer. Only a five-year-old, there will be another day.

Monetaire sent punters home happy with a hard-fought win in the last. Unlucky when a mistake compromised his chance at Cheltenham last time, he put in a clear round today. Only four, in getting so close in second Solar Impulse has laid down a positive marker for the future.

Newcastle: After his experience at Wincanton this was the day when it all came together for Irving in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth. Given an iron ride by Nick Scholfield this time there were no mistakes at his hurdles. Delivered at the last, he had too much pace for the gallant mare Aurore D’estruval and for County Hurdle runner-up Arctic Fire. This is the way to ride him: that is to say let him pop his hurdles and leave him alone, allowing him to ease himself into the contest, which is not easy at the highest level. This was good but not top class form.

28th November: Newbury: The well-fancied duo Karezak and Mick Jazz were beaten by hurdling debutant Old Guard in the Class 3 Juvenile hurdle – won last year by Calipto and a race with a good history. By Notnowcato, Old Guard may have hit the front a shade too soon – it seemed a long way home from the final flight – but he kept on well to withstand a renewed effort from Karezak with Mick Jazz seemingly bogged down in the closing stages.

One of the most progressive hurdlers from last season, Saphir Du Rheu made an early exit in his debut over fences when, having jumped well (landed steeply at the first ditch) he clouted the first on the second circuit, depositing his jockey. Only five, it is significant his trainer has diverted him to the bigger obstacles so soon and he is likely to have another day. Absent for two years, Coneygree made all, jumping well to lift the Grade 2 from Dell’ Arca, who had finished only fourth to Champagne West at Cheltenham at the beginning of the month.

Despite an action that suggests he is lame, No Buts kept on strongly to take full advantage of his light weight in the Class 2 handicap. Sound Investment, who had beaten the winner at Sandown last time, was second ahead of a laboured Lamool. Once again they finished at long intervals, with market leaders Pendra and The Paparrazi Kid struggling from some way out.

Only four turned up for the Class 3 novice hurdle won by the ex-Irish pointer Out Sam, who is now with Nicky Henderson and is another success story for his astute handler. The story might have been different had Thomas Brown not made a near-drastic mistake three out; but to be fair the ready winner pulled out plenty in the conditions. Conceding 8lbs to Out Sam, Thomas Brown (whose jumping had been fine up to his error) kept trying on the run-in and will surely win again.

The current run of the Henderson yard was sustained in the last, not by the market leader but by another ex-pointer in Different Gravey. An expensive purchase from Ireland (£140,000), despite obvious greenness, a good walker with an intelligent head, he was the paddock pick. Although hanging to his left over the last two he proved too powerful for another Irish import and hurdle debutant in Ballagh – who, with four races under his belt, was more experienced. In third was the villain of the piece: Days Of Heaven. Frisky exiting the paddock, he ducked to his right at the start, losing at least twenty lengths. A slow pace allowed him to recover the ground and he was still travelling strongly enough two out. Understandably the petrol tank soon registered empty and he dropped away to finish third. This is not the first time his temperament has looked suspect; although it has never been so pronounced. On this evidence the ability is there but the will may be lacking.

November 27th: Newbury: The opening day of the Hennessy meeting was blighted by the weather. With the ground altered to soft – heavy in places – the fields were depleted. The opening Class 3 hurdle attracted only five, with last month’s Exeter winner Jollyallan – pitched against what only looked moderate opposition – a long odds-on favourite. He made all at a sedate pace and strolled home. Life will become harder from here on. French import Lanceur, who has reasonable form on the Flat but had not been seen for over 600 days, was second by default. He was allowed to coast home having looked untidy at a couple of obstacles but has the size to do better. The rest were beaten too far to be considered next time.

Woodford County did well to defy top weight and a mark of 125 in the Class 3 chase for amateur riders. It was not a strong field but there was no mean achievement in conceding 13lbs to the second and third in such cloying ground. Mistakes compromised IToldYou’s winning chance. Last year’s runner-up from a 2lbs higher mark, Susquehanna River, had every chance but failed to quicken.

Vazaro Delafayette has taken his time to get off the mark over hurdles but judging by the market, from a rating of 102, today’s victory was expected. He did have a clear opportunity in the Class 4 handicap hurdle. Blinkered and hooded, he has ability but seems to ration it sparingly. Today he was always in control although his hurdling left something to be desired. In beating Spookydooky in a well-strung out field it is debatable what has been achieved. A winner over points, he may do better in time over fences but does not look a solid betting proposition.

Small fields in soft ground can throw up deceiving results for a variety of reasons – not least because so often there is a false pace and the race can be run to suit a pace-making winner. However in the three-horse contest for the Grade 2 (effectively only a match) there was plenty to like about Carraig Mor, who looks every inch a chaser. Making all with surefooted jumping, it may have been a glorified schooling exercise, but, despite a tendency to jump right in the straight, he did very little wrong and looks all set to tackle better opposition. Jumping is his strong suit, particularly on this ground which suits him admirably. In second, Southfield Theatre was always struggling to peg back the all-the-way winner.

Ned Stark made a pleasing debut over fences at Huntingdon – something he compounded in the Class 3 handicap over 2m 6f. A stout stayer and a neat jumper with few miles on the clock (this was only his fifth race over rules), further improvement seems likely. He will stay further.

Of the three interesting runners that turned out for the bet365 Intermediate Hurdle (The Gerry Fielden), only French import L’ami Serge fulfilled his promise. The solitary runner on this card for Nicky Henderson, he made a mockery of his present mark of 132 to draw away from Kilcooley from the last. In a race where the fancied contenders failed to strike blows, this performance is hard to evaluate but clearly the winner had been underestimated by the handicapper. After promise last season Daneking was beaten in a matter of strides from three out. Le Mercurey looked harshly treated from a mark of 149 and finished very tired and well beaten.

Cheese beat chalk in the concluding bumper. Conceding 7lbs to his three rivals after his Wincanton success in May, the attractive and classy Yanworth – confidently ridden by McCoy – did not have to engage fifth gear to see off the promising Rabunda. The big unit that is Rollingontheriver, who was well-backed on his debut, found it a struggle once the pace lifted.

After making up plenty of ground in Kempton’s auction for juveniles, drawn widest of all and not knocked about, Whitchurch is worth following for something similar. He finished in amongst the right horses in what looked a better than average event of its type and should have no difficulty in bettering this effort.

November 22nd: Haydock: Barry Geraghty held on to Vasco Du Ronceray for as long as he dared in Class 3 handicap hurdle then pushed him right out on the run-in. Once in front, the way Geraghty threw the kitchen sink at the winner suggests Vasco Du Ronceray may not always find off the bridle what he promises. To be fair the ground was testing and the winner had plenty of weight to lump; even so a rise from 135 threatens to make life much tougher. In second, De Boitron, essentially a chaser and off the track for a year, has returned with a decent effort. At the age of ten it remains to be seen whether he can back it up.

In his element over this marathon trip of 3m 5f and on the ground, although finishing tired in the end, Gas Line Boy galloped his rivals into submission in the handicap. Emperor’s Choice started this current campaign on a positive note in second; No Duffer had his limitations exposed in third.

On Tour landed the hat-trick in style on this desperate ground in the Class 2 handicap. He beat a smart field, headed by Run Ructions Run and another hat-trick seeker in Morito Du Berlais. In fourth, as the only four-year-old in the line-up Dawalan stayed on well in ground that was not ideal. Second to his potentially well-handicapped stable mate Sign Of A Victory last time at Ascot, he can exploit his current mark in a decent handicap. This was his first try over 2m 4f. On this evidence he stayed the trip well and may even get further.

The success of The New One in the Class 2 Hurdle was expected. Confidently ridden, although it was not ideal he handled the ground and outspeeded Zamdy Man from the last. Beating Melodic Rendezvous (relishes the ground but no answers in the closing stages) by further than their respective ratings, this will have pleased connections. On target for another crack at the Champion, he will next be seen at Cheltenham for their international meeting.

Aubusson punched a hole in the market leaders to lift the Grade 3 ‘Fixed Brush’ Handicap Hurdle over three miles. Once again Big Easy ran to his best to chase him home. In third, Dara Tango distinguished himself for his ultra-shrewd Irish trainer – one Tony Martin. This was his first run over hurdles for two years, but after a run on the Flat at Catterick last month he was reasonably straight. A big price today, he can better this next time. Running on a penalty, technically well-in Volnay De Thaix travelled strongly throughout, although a couple of shoddy jumps down the straight did halt any further progress. Katkeou ran another decent race after Cheltenham but the 5lbs penalty was his undoing.

No one could deny we saw Grade 1 action throughout the afternoon but the only Grade 1 race in name was the Betfair Chase. It heralded the return of Silviniaco Conti in first time cheekpieces who turned in such a lack-lustre display last time. On his day he is a good horse, but judging his day is not always easy. As a clue, his trainer states easy ground suits and that he needed the run last time. An agile jumper, he is bound for Kempton and another King George where, all being well, he will face serious young pretenders to the crown in the shapes of Simonsig and Champagne Fever . Charlie Hall winner Menorah was an honest second with Dynaste third – so it was the usual suspects in something like the right order. Cue Card probably failed to see it out. Taquin Du Seuil was an accident waiting to happen from the first fence and after a catalogue of mistakes was eventually pulled-up. Until his jumping is ironed out he will always struggle in this company.

Ascot: Fletchers Flyer confirmed the promise shown on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las behind Shantou Bob to get the better of a dire slog in the ground with Parish Business in the Class 2 novice. Understandably, at the end of 2m 6f in heavy ground they finished out on their feet. Against some smart novice hurdlers and on ground that was surely not ideal, Hunt Ball travelled well for a long way before eventually running on the spot. Presumably this was intended as a pipe-opener for a target over fences and he could be of interest over that sphere next time.

The novice handicap chase was an amazing affair! Despite some scary jumping the six runners completed but their passages were not without incident. Although safe at his obstacles, Big Hands Harry persisted in jumping right throughout. As a consequence he gave away an enormous amount of ground and predictably was overhauled on the turn. Less predictably, four lengths down on the run to the last, he picked up to collar Polisky on the line. Although he has run well right-handed, chances are he will next be seen going the other way, in which case, even from a revised mark in the region of the high 130s (133 today), he will be well enough treated to win again. They all took liberties with their fences. Polisky clouted the last and, not for the first time, found little.

Best fresh and arguably over his optimum trip of 2m and change, Al Ferof won the Grade 2 for a second year in succession. He travelled strongly throughout and ran out a ready winner. A series of minor but stamina-sapping errors meant Somersby was unable to mount a serious challenge in second. Wishfull Thinking was a never threatening third. Fox Appeal’s mistake at the last ditch was enough to rule him out.

So, on a day dominated by class, it was over to unbeaten Faugheen in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle, won by the stable’s Annie Power last year. He made all against inferior opposition but in this ground the win was impressive. He does not always pop his hurdles in his slower paces but rises to the occasion when the pace lifts. In second a ring-rusty Blue Fashion (last seen when second to More Of That this time last year) has put in a satisfactory reappearance and, although not a Champion Hurdle contender, aged only five coming on six, should not be discounted in top company over further.

November 21st: Ascot: £300,000 purchase Alisier D’Irlande certainly looked the part in the maiden hurdle. Wearing a hood and a winner of a maiden point in Ireland, he jumped slickly on sloppy ground and moved up apparently effortlessly on the run to the straight. However, progress was curtailed as he failed to quicken, only staying on at one pace in third. On this evidence he needs further. Whilst the price tag is off-putting and he may never realise it, he should certainly win a race or two. French import Arpege D’ Alene looked a smart recruit, beating Its A Swing.

Jumping sorted them out in the Beginners’ Chase. Now a winner at this track over all N.H disciplines, Puffin Billy made all, producing some spectacular leaps in the process. He was greatly assisted as his main rival, The Skyfarmer, jumped as if he was landing on hot coals. Disappointing as a hurdler on this track on similar ground, this may not be his course, but he has work to do over fences to be anywhere near the force that he was over timber. Killala Quay and Irish Cavalier were never able to trouble the winner, who, on past evidence, is talented but fragile.

The introductory hurdle went to Jolly’s Cracked It, who successfully defied a 5lbs penalty for an earlier win here at the beginning of the month. He survived a howler two out and in so doing confirmed his last piece of form with Clondaw Banker, who had finished second last time but was unable to capitalise on the revised conditions today. Particularly in view of the mistake, this suggests the winner has improved since. A mistake two out put paid to any chance what looked like an already-held Wilberdragon had.

November 16th: Cheltenham: It was all Emerging Talent in the ring before the Grade 2 novice hurdle. Gifted an early lead by the reluctance of his rivals, he set off clear but, nice, strapping type though he is, jumping let him down. He failed to get high at his hurdles – although he did ping the last. Still inexperienced, there will be another day. Wins at Uttoxeter and Hexham meant that Vyta Du Roc had to concede 7lbs to the runner-up. He handled conditions the better and probably stayed on the stronger. It may not be the same story in time. The pair was clear of the rest.

Reduced to only four runners, it was an inconclusive Arkle Trial. Allowed to slipstream the aggressively-ridden duo that was Dunraven Storm and Little Jon, Vibrato Valtat always looked capable of bridging the gap but failed to do so. Possibly his rider held on to him for too long, but in view of his mount’s reluctance on occasion to give his all, on this ground it was understandable. When the chips were down, Dunraven Storm kept finding. Vibrato Valtat might do better over two-and-a-half.

Dropped back to two miles, slick jumping did it for Uxizandre in the Listed. Only fourth when heavily backed on debut at Aintree, he made all here to jump his opponents into submission. As it turned out this was not a strong line-up. Simply Ned was an honest second. Not for the first time, Dodging Bullets left the impression he was only prepared to do so much.

The cream rose to the top in the Greatwood Hurdle when Garde La Victoire, whose careless mistakes meant a sacrificed winning chance on his first run of the year at Aintree, made handsome amends. Connections were concerned the ground was too soft, but in a slowly run contest he saw it out to defy 144. The runner-up Vaniteux also covered himself in glory carrying three pounds more. Described as the only possible Champion Hurdle contender in the Henderson camp, Vaniteux travelled like a dream on such awful ground and looked all set to go clear at the turn. He kept on but the weight anchored him. Having finished third to Vautour in the Supreme, this obviously provided a first-class boost for the top novice form from last year. He should be winning soon.

November 15th: Cheltenham: A highly promising novice hurdler before the wheels came off at the Festival, after a breathing operation, Kings Palace made a pleasing fencing debut in the Class 2, putting in some spectacular leaps on his way round. In close at the last, he was clever throughout and looks like a top novice. He did tire on stamina-sapping ground but saw it out well and was never going to be beaten. The RSA Chase looks an obvious target. Chepstow winner Sausalito Sunrise was saddled with a 5lbs penalty after that and although he plugged on gamely and there was a point when he looked likely to get on terms on the run-in, was flattered by the winning margin.

Sam Winner defied top weight to win the Grade 3 Chase. Despite getting in close at the last, he pulled out plenty on the run-in to thwart the challenge of strong-travelling The Druids Package. They finished at long intervals on this testing ground. Having got detached at one point, The Package (who goes best fresh) did make up some ground, along with Pigeon Island in what turned out to be a slog.

They say weight stops trains; it certainly checked old Johns Spirit who very nearly landed his second Paddy Power. Clear from the last, he understandably tired and was run down by Caid Du Berlais, whose potential over fences remains largely untapped. It proved a red-letter day for Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies, as after Sam Winner, they were also responsible for this high-profile success. Present View ran up to his best marketing firm in third, whilst Oscar Whisky, another burdened with a crushing weight on this ground, ran on for fourth.

It was also a big day for the Pipe team. After the earlier win of Kings Palace, another name from the past – this time delving even further back in time – Katkeau, who had been off the track for two years, wore down Cesarewitch winner Big Easy from the final flight in the Listed handicap hurdle. These were the two that looked to have improvement in them – it remains to be seen how they will fare next time under revised weight terms.

With a 4lbs penalty, Golden Doyen rallied gamely on the run-in to take the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. With two runs under his belt, including a wide-margin victory at Warwick last time, his experience and ability to handle the ground proved crucial. Hurdling recruit from France – where he was useful – Hargam was the one to take the eye. By Sinndar, he will surely improve for the run and for a firmer surface. In front halfway up the hill, he was only narrowly beaten and was not knocked about in defeat. His trainer should find the ideal opportunity next time – presumably at Newbury during the Hennessy meeting.

Lingfield: In the form of his life, Intransigent was delivered late to land the Listed from Fresles. In behind there were a couple worthy of note: After an absence of two months and looking ring rusty, Polybius picked up and was closing fast inside the last furlong. Once again Golden Steps left the impression he is worth trying over seven. Sluggish at the gates, he was another to scythe through a decent field to finish on the heels of the principals. He has outrun his mark here and can surely pick up something before long. Last seen at Royal Ascot, this run should bring Medicean Man on. It looks likely he is being prepared for another campaign in Dubai.

Battalion has always had the ability and chose today to show it in no uncertain terms. Not straightforward and inclined to hang to his left, this tight left-handed track clearly suited and he was able to wriggle through on the inner and was soon in the clear and away in the Listed over ten furlongs. Educate came the long route but that is not to say he was unlucky. He is proving difficult to win with.

November 14th: Cheltenham: On very soft ground, Champagne West looked a decent recruit to fences when landing the Class 2 over an extended two-and-a-half mile trip. That said, eight of the fences were omitted due to a low sun and the race did only develop from the top of the hill. Champagne West had been ponderous at a couple of his obstacles but that is to be expected and in the end he had too much power for his stable mate – the under-achiever that is Colour Squadron. Urban Hymn made the running but lacked a turn of foot once the taps were turned on and Dell’ Arca did not look entirely at home over these bigger obstacles but can surely improve. Like many of today’s contests, the race may not be an accurate reflection of its participants.

An equally promising field of hurdlers lined up for the Grade 2 event that went to Parlour Games, who sprinted from the last. This was a race that was settled from that point in conditions that were worsening with each hoof print taken. Blaklion made the running at a steady pace but was left to flounder in the pudding that was the run-in. Port Melon and Champagne Present posted promise.

Cup Final may have lost the last but was not disgraced. Forever a talking horse – some might say he has been taught to utter,’ Here We Go , Here We Go’ – he was a silly price in this first dip into a handicap despite what looked a temptingly low mark. However, the race did not unfold in his favour and on better ground he may be capable of improvement. In fourth, Cassells Rock ran particularly well considering the surface was much too soft and he is one to note when conditions are more favourable.

November 8th: Doncaster: Although flattered by his second to Fannaan at Haydock last time, it still represented a reasonable level of form for Stake Acclaim who was able to open his account in the first division of the Class 5 maiden. The ground looked very testing but proved no problem to the winner. They were well strung out at the finish with What Could She Be and Sacred Bond doing the best of the debutants.

With Thahab and Mobsta having shown definite promise on their debuts, division two had a stronger look to it. Second at Newbury, it was Mobsta that edged ahead in the closing stages then drew clear. In the end the Dutch Art newcomer Beardwood took second from a very tired Thahab, who either failed to handle the ground as well as the first two or ran out of gas. Once again they finished at long intervals.

Four races in, rain on top of rain meant the ground was barely raceable. Changed to heavy all round, they paddled and sloshed through the mud in the Class 2 handicap over seven. Racing from a 3lbs lower mark than when successful in this last year, Levitate (also won the Lincoln here in 2013) revelled in the conditions to score fairly easily.

Jack Dexter had his best chance of the season in the Listed Wentworth Stakes – a race he won last year. That said, he has not looked quite as sharp this time round and once again only picked up by degrees. In conditions he likes, to finish only fourth has to go down as a disappointment. Despite flopping last time (apparently came back wrong – no explanation other than that’; so that’s okay then!) Aetna consolidated the promise she showed at Newmarket when scooting away with the prize. Described by her trainer in the spring as a top class sprinter on the soft, she has proved it here. Apparently the closed book that is Mick Easterby encouraged the owner to make the journey from South Africa to watch her run. So long as someone is happy! Connections hope to land a Group 3 with her next season – something they may achieve if we have a wet spring.

Anything that wins in this ground clearly handles the mud. Lady Tiana saw it out to defeat Princess Loulou in the listed for fillies.

And so to the curtain-closer on the 2014 season – bar the apprentice finale – the November Handicap. On a déjà-vu day, third in it last year, Open Eagle won by open daylight in a race where half the field were beaten after two furlongs. Some of them only just returned before the light faded!

Sandown: Baron Alco came out best of a collection of French imports in the juvenile hurdle, winning in style. In fact he travelled well throughout although his hurdling of the two flights in the straight left something to be desired. That said the market predicted a bold show and he was clear of Fontwell winner The Wallace Line, who was in turn well clear of the third, Deauville winner Albahar. Won by Kentucky Hyden last year, this normally throws up a decent newcomer and on this evidence Baron Alco looks like he will win more races in this sphere.

Wincanton: Barry Geraghty chooses his rides outside his yard at Seven Barrows with care. He obviously knew what he was doing when electing to ride The Young Master in the Badger Beer. It’s a shame the same cannot be said for the trainer. Although not obviously well-in based on his latest win at Cheltenham, The Young Master maintained a clean sheet over fences [three from three] to win easily from a mark of 130. That first figure is significant as according to the conditions of the race, the winner was not qualified to run. Although a novice was eligible, a minimum of three steeplechase runs were required in order for the horse to take part. Having run only twice, elementary mathematics means The Young Master should never have been entered by his trainer or accepted as a runner by Wetherbys. This opens up a particularly messy can of worms that will carry on wriggling long after the horse blankets have been dried off. What happens if The Young Master is disqualified? Presumably bookmakers will have to pick up the tab and pay twice. Similarly, the horse will face a significant hike in the weights without receiving prize-money for this valuable chase. In answer to that particular question, it seems reasonable to lay the blame at the trainer’s door for entering and running a horse that was not qualified to run. As for the race as it stands: they went off much too fast (courtesy of Creevytennant, who was set alight by his nutcase of a jockey but pulled-up six out once he had strung them out). This made no difference to the winner who, win or lose, was clearly underrated by the handicapper.

If there is one thing Bertimont does it is jump. He pinged his obstacles in better company in the Elite Hurdle but had no answer on the long run to the last when overhauled by surprise winner Purple Bay. He hung on gamely for second in a race marred by the final flight spill of Irving. It was a fall that looked to be of the worse kind but, thankfully, he did a Lazarus and lives to fight another day.

November 1st: Newmarket: At Headquarter’s last fixture for 2014 and against the strained light of approaching winter, Suffused finished off strongly to win the maiden over seven furlongs on her debut. Colour Party made a dash for home but the tenderly-ridden winner always threatened to overhaul her. She did so in pleasing style and we may see more of her next year. She is another juvenile winner from the Roger Charlton stable that clearly will go into 2015 with high hopes.

Rotherwick was a comfortable winner of the nursery from top weight and a mark of 83. This win provided a boost to his Wolverhampton conqueror of last time, the hat-trick winning Black Granite. The handicapper has caught up with Dark Wave who was unable to defy an elevated mark of 80, whilst Goodwood winner Shadow Rock was the first off the bridle and eventually beaten an embarrassingly long way.

Irish Rookie appears to have fooled us all. After winning her maiden in a bunch finish over seven furlongs on this course at 50/1, the temptation was to assume the race was only moderate. That it may have been, in which case something appears to have happened in the interim as she took the Listed over a mile from Lady Of Dubai, who had left a much stronger impression when scoring over course and distance in September. There seemed no fluke about the winner’s performance – she stayed on strongly despite a last furlong thrust from the runner-up. Bitter Lake looked as if she failed to stay this trip.

Taking into account the conditions of the event, it looked as if Air Pilot would struggle to overturn latest form with Mutakayyef in the Listed, but in fact he comfortably beat his three-year-old rival. He goes into winter quarters as a promising and progressive individual that could make his mark next season. Cut seems to suit so, tempting though it may be, Dubai may not be the best of places to start. Sudden Wonder (sure to be in action at Meydan) ran on to deprive Mutakayyef of second. A strong traveller, it has to be said Mutakayyef’s response when asked was disappointing. He finished in front of Air Pilot last time after an absence but failed to capitalise on that run now. With only a maiden win to his credit, he looks a classic example of a horse that works better than he races.

One of Godolphin’s better and more reliable inmates, French Navy, responded to a driving ride from Alan Kirby to defy his penalty and lift the Listed over a mile. Fire Ship was an honest second; Bronze Angel only third in an event that didn’t suit and Linton fourth.

On the jumping front, Sign Of Victory won the handicap at Ascot like a 150-rated horse at least.
Silviniaco Conti fizzled out quickly in the Charlie Hall where Taquin Du Seuil stayed the trip but let himself down with a couple of indifferent leaps. Even so he pegged back several from the last to take second. He needs to sharpen up his fencing in this sort of company but easier ground will help. It is early days to write him off at this level. Menorah maintained his stable’s fine run with a convincing success – conceding 5lbs to the runner-up.

Breeders’ Cup Notes: Despite doubts about the trip, Hootenanny settled perfectly before blasting his rivals in the Juvenile Turf over a mile. Already a winner on these shores, if his trainer is of a mind to send him over he should not be discounted from a tilt at the Guineas in May, particularly if the ground is fast. War Envoy got no run and although he would not have beaten the winner, finished on the bridle and should be marked up.

Main Sequence is a reformed character since arriving in America, winning his fourth Grade 1 on the spin when grabbing the Turf from Arc runner-up Flintshire. A slow early pace meant his finishing kick was decisive. Telescope had every chance in fourth but, lacking a killer kick when it matters, just falls short at this level.

Back to his best trip of a mile, Karakontie was played late from a suicidal gallop to pick up the pieces in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Unlucky in the Foret but a winner of the French Guineas, he spearheaded a French one-two, holding Anodin with Trade Storm in third. Many of these, including Toronado, were burnt out by the straight.

Toast Of New York covered himself and all concerned in glory when finishing second in the Classic. In an all three-year-old finish he had Californian Chrome behind him in third and surely must be a contender for the Dubai World Cup in March.